performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce performance (audio)
pə-
1
a
: the execution of an action
b
: something accomplished : deed, feat
2
: the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation
3
a
: the action of representing a character in a play
b
: a public presentation or exhibition
a benefit performance
4
a
: the ability to perform : efficiency
b
: the manner in which a mechanism performs
engine performance
5
: the manner of reacting to stimuli : behavior
6
: the linguistic behavior of an individual : parole
also : the ability to speak a certain language compare competence sense 1c

Examples of performance in a Sentence

This evening's performance will start at 8 o'clock. The hall is usually used for orchestra performances. The critics loved her performance as the villain. A supervisor will evaluate each employee's performance. employees with strong job performances Employees are given an annual performance assessment. The gas additive improves engine performance. an increased level of performance We've introduced new performance levels.
Recent Examples on the Web For season three, Bareilles wrote the song that Dawn sings at the end of the group’s tour performance. Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Mar. 2024 Trevi’s tour, which began in Hidalgo, Texas, on Jan. 26, will continue to grace stages across the U.S., including upcoming performances in Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and a notable stop at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on April 26. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2024 The blue-chip index went on to log its worst five-day performance since the Great Depression. Krystal Hur, CNN, 16 Mar. 2024 City strikes down appeal and permits performances at local Mediterranean restaurant The La Mesa City Council last week voted to uphold a Planning Commission decision granting a permit for entertainment at a local Mediterranean restaurant following an appeal hearing. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 Released as the lead single of Eminem's The Slim Shady LP, the song became his first top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy Award for best rap solo performance. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Pruning to promote a healthy plant is the best place to start for long-term plant performance. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024 Neither of these cutting-edge Western precedents required police to be in attendance, which yields dramatic — and courageous — resonance for the Koreans’ performance. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 The Avett Brothers will return to Indianapolis this fall with a performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and they'll be joined by a supporting act with Hoosier roots. The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'performance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perform + -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of performance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near performance

Cite this Entry

“Performance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

performance

noun
per·​for·​mance pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce performance (audio)
1
a
: the doing of an action
b
: something accomplished : deed, feat
2
a
: the action of representing a character in a play
b
: a public presentation
3
: the manner in which something performs
an engine's performance

Legal Definition

performance

noun
per·​for·​mance
1
: work done in employment
unsatisfactory performance
2
a
: what is required to be performed in fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation
substituted a new performance in novation of the contract
b
: the fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation
part performance
: partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation
: a doctrine which provides an exception to the Statute of Frauds requirement that a contract be in writing by treating partial performance and the acceptance of it by the other party as evidence of an enforceable contract compare partial breach at breach
specific performance
: the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation
: an equitable remedy that requires a party to fulfill the exact terms of a contract, promise, obligation, or decree mandating a remedy and that is used when legal remedies (as damages) are inadequate the common law prohibition against specific performance as a remedy for alleged breach of employment contractChady v. Solomon Schechter Day Schs., 645 N.E.2d 983 (1995) compare injunction
substantial performance
: performance of the essential terms of a contract, promise, or obligation a contractor is not entitled to a lien in the absence of substantial performanceCasa Linda Tile & Marble Installers, Inc. v. Highlands Place 1981 Ltd., 642 So. 2d 766 (1994)
: a doctrine which permits a party (as a builder) that acted in good faith to recover from the other party to a contract for a performance that departs in minor respects from what was promised compare material breach at breach
3
: a public rendition or presentation of an artistic work

More from Merriam-Webster on performance

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